EP1302381A1 - Electrical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A pluggable connector (100) has a carrier plate (2) arranged transversely to the plug-in direction, the carrier plate having a number of contacts (3,5,7,9) and a corresponding number of complementary contacts (4,6,8,10), in which the contacts (3,5,7,9) on the one hand and the complementary contacts (4,6,8,10) on the other hand are arranged symmetrically to a perpendicular mirror-image axis (19).

Description

The present invention relates to a connector, in particular for establishing an electrical connection between adjacent car bodies of a rail vehicle.

A connector, in particular for producing an electrical Connection between adjacent car bodies of a rail vehicle, is basically based on rail vehicle technology known. German Patent DE 19 926 058 A1 for example, describes an Eletro contact coupling for central buffer couplings in rail vehicles, this coupling especially for claw couplings, z. B. the type "AAR", "Janney" or the type "Willison", are suitable.

Depending on the design of the mechanical coupling, there are a whole series of differently configured cable couplings. For example, in German Patent DE 499 955 the electrical contact coupling is fixed to the mechanical Coupling connected. In the German patent DE 927445 is the electrical contact coupling with respect to the mechanical Clutch listed pivotally, wherein in the patent DE 2 414 384 A1 an electrical contact coupling, which is parallel to the mechanical Clutch axis is displaced, is described.

The coupling heads of the mechanical couplings of the mentioned State of the art have at the front end a plane transverse to Longitudinal axis arranged abutting surface or end face, which with the corresponding abutment surface of the counter-coupling for use come. The data signals and power cables are over here Project-specific designed electrical contact couplings, the Also referred to as e-boxes, transferred. These electrical contact couplings are below or to the side of the mechanical Close coupling arranged. The project-oriented execution this electrical contact couplings in the shape of the E-boxes of the cited prior art are doing in the Usually individual solutions for the training and arrangement of a Electrical contact coupling there. For example, a change in the Line arrangement, what in the project phase but also in the later Operation often occurs is usually only with significant technical and economic effort and often only with restrictions implemented.

The present invention is based on the problem Such, in particular known from automotive engineering connectors, preferably but not exclusively for manufacturing an electrical connection between adjacent car bodies of a rail vehicle, in such a way that the connector used universally and no longer project-oriented can be. Especially in rail vehicle technology prepare the previously used electrical contact couplings for energy and / or signal transmission in so far as certain problems, as far as through the project-oriented and special execution in the form of e-boxes to handle the entire arrangement inflexible is. For example, the replacement is defective Connectors, but also a change of contact types, for example during the project phase or during later operation, previously only feasible by the entire electrical contact coupling is exchanged.

On the basis of the described problem was the present invention, the object of a connector for making an electrical connection, in particular for establishing an electrical connection between adjacent ones Car bodies of a rail vehicle of the aforementioned Such a way that the connector universal and for a wide range of different requirements can be used, with project-specific changes of Contact types even during operation quickly and without major Expenditure of costs or material can be realized.

This object is achieved with a connector of the aforementioned Art solved by the fact that transversely to the direction of insertion Support plate is arranged, which has a number of contacts and corresponding Number of complementary contacts, wherein the contacts on the one hand and the complementary contacts on the other hand symmetrical are arranged to a vertical mirror axis.

The solution according to the invention has a whole series of essential Advantages over those known from the prior art and above-explained connector. By use a support plate as a basic carrier is achieved that the technical Execution of the electrical contact coupling independently of the respective application is feasible. On the basis of the carrier plate is achieved that the running electrical connector no longer, as usual, in closed and project-specific designed e-boxes are executed. This is a basic requirement for the user is possible, based on this support plate different connectors to arrange variably. The connector of the present Invention is thus available as a modular design. The contacts and associated complementary contacts are in this Version symmetrical to a vertical mirror axis arranged. In this version, two identical connectors can be used be coupled together without being distinguished must, whether the connector as a projecting part or as receiving part is executed.

Advantageous developments of the invention are in the dependent claims specified.

A constructive realization for the contacts or complementary contacts is that one for producing an electrical Connection of a plug-socket arrangement (industrial connection) is chosen, which already proves itself in the industry Has. Here are of course other constructive Measures conceivable.

Preferably, the contacts and complementary contacts are on the Carrier plate arranged. This facilitates on the one hand the production Such connector, since the carrier plate as Basic carrier in combination with the contacts and complementary contacts can be manufactured as a module. On the other hand protects the carrier plate in this embodiment, the contacts and Complementary contacts against mechanical stresses, such as transverse to the connector occurring tensile forces, since the carrier plate derives these forces from the electrical contacts.

An advantageous embodiment of the connector exists in that the contacts and complementary contacts in the corresponding Holes are received in the carrier plate. at This embodiment is the integration of the contacts or Complementary contacts in the carrier plate particularly easy to realize. In general, if on standard components of the Industry, which are commonly used Contacts or complementary contacts already for inclusion in a Hole arrangement executed. A fastening device of Contacts or complementary contacts for integration in form a hole arrangements is therefore already in most cases available. As a result, in the manufacture of the invention Plug connection on standard contacts or complementary contacts are used, whereby significantly reduces the manufacturing costs of such connectors becomes. Furthermore, a hole arrangement offers a good mechanical hold of the contact or complementary contacts. In particular in mechanically stressed compounds is the Insertable connector according to the invention in this embodiment, because here the mechanical load of the electrical Contacts and complementary contacts are largely reduced can and possibly occurring shear forces on the hole assembly be forwarded directly to the carrier plate.

Preferably, the contacts and complementary contacts of the Rear side of the carrier plate accessible. About industrial connections can in this embodiment at the rear open end of the Cable to be connected to the individual connectors. On the one hand, this design is a physical separation to perform particularly well on different types of contact. For example, data signal lines on these contacts or complementary contacts are connected as possible lie away from the contacts or complementary contacts, which are connected with cable lines. This is the influence the data signals through the possibly pulsed power cables considerably reduced. On the other hand, it is possible Connect bus and data cables to shielded contacts. Due to the accessibility of the contacts or complementary contacts it is also possible from the back of the carrier plate replace any defective plug connections. So it has to be in this case no longer the entire electrical contact coupling be replaced, as is the case with plug-in connections of the known Art was common. In particular, an accessibility proves the contacts and complementary contacts from the back of the Support plate then an advantage when in contact types of contact have to be changed. Especially in the project phase is this is a common process. The modular embodiment the connector according to the invention make it possible the user to arrange different connectors variably or exchange.

In a possible embodiment of the connector according to the invention is a centering device for self-centering two to be verkuppelnder when making the connector with each other Plug connector executed. For this purpose, two Zentrierorgane provided on the connector, during the coupling process with the complementary centering of the connecting connector. The advantage this embodiment lies in the, during the coupling process occurring lateral forces are largely avoided, thereby a mechanical load on the contacts or the complementary contacts kept as small as possible. It is advantageous in this Embodiment, that the centering device during the coupling process works independently, reducing the coupling process largely independently and without effort and special Attention on the part of the user is.

A constructive realization of the centering device used centering is that a centering pin or complementary centering is used. Both Centering elements are preferably mirror-symmetrical on the support plate arranged. The advantage of this embodiment is that centering or centering as a centering already tried and tested so that technical experience is used can be and additionally in the production of the inventive Connector resorted to standard components can be. Due to the fact that the two centering organs (Centering pin, centering bushing) symmetrical to the vertical Longitudinal plane of the contact surface of the support plate arranged are the modular design of the whole Connector given.

Another advantage proves that the contacts or complementary contacts the connector according to the invention arbitrary Can represent contact types. So, for example Lines for transmission of energy, air pressure lines, signal lines or lines connected for the transmission of data become. Both fiber optic contacts or Complementary contacts as well as contacts or complementary contacts for TV signals and video signals without any effort in the invention Plug connector can be integrated. Especially at the Use of the connector in complex systems, for example in rapid transit trains, it is increasingly necessary to transmit a large number of signals and data thereby increasingly using fiber-optic transmission means become. As a result, the connector according to the invention in this embodiment especially for such complex systems suitable for large data transfer.

When using the connector according to the invention on car bodies, the by means of so-called "short couplings" together coupled, there is a constructive realization that About guide rods, which run in the direction of insertion, a sliding movement the connector is permitted in the plugging direction. This is a simple and inexpensive training and arrangement found, the connector according to the invention with the in the Rail vehicle technology used mechanical short couplings to combine. Of course, here are others as well constructive measures conceivable.

When using the connector according to the invention in Combination with the mechanical short couplings proves it as an advantage to use a regenerative attenuator, which the sliding movement of the connector during the coupling process attenuates. The attenuator allows that also the coupling together the connector without special effort or

Attention of the user can be done. The realization This attenuator can, for example, by a Spring, but also by a gas-hydraulic buffer, etc. respectively. This can be done on already proven attenuators be resorted to. Of course, there are others too constructive measures conceivable.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the Connector a locking device, which is an unintentional Release the connector after the coupling process prevented. Especially for the use of the connector in Plants with strong mechanical forces, such as vibrations, are suspended, such a locking device useful to the operation of the interconnected connectors to guarantee and thus the operational safety too at any time.

A constructive realization of a locking device exists in that a hook and a corresponding, mirror-symmetrical arranged eyelet is used. This type of locking device is a standard component and already in many Applications tested. Due to the mirror-symmetrical arrangement from the eyelet and the hook is the modular structure of the Connector also given. Of course, too here other design measures conceivable.

Advantages and advantages of the invention will be otherwise from the description of a preferred embodiment the figures clearly.

Fig. 1

eine Frontansicht des Kontaktspiegels der Trägerplatte bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinders;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht der Ausführungsform von Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht von zwei gekuppelten Steckverbindern gemäß der Ausführungsform von Fig. 1.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a front view of the contact surface of the support plate in a preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

a side view of two coupled connectors according to the embodiment of Fig. 1st

Fig. 1 shows a front view of the contact surface of a support plate 2 of a connector 100 according to the invention in one preferred embodiment in a not shown Car body, which by means of a so-called "close coupling" (also not shown) is provided. This embodiment is for example in a car body of a multi-unit Vehicle, such as a rail vehicle, an S-Bahnzug or on a tram train. The carrier plate 2 has a plurality of contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) as well a plurality of complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10). The Contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and the complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) are in the contact mirror of the support plate 2 on both sides the vertical mirror axis 19 arranged symmetrically. In the illustrated embodiment, these contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) or complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) each as self-contained Plug-in modules designed as standard components are available from the prior art. To record the plug - in modules in the support plate 2 are holes (11 to 18), which are drilled in the support plate 2.

The contact 4 and the associated complementary contact 3 is used in this embodiment, the transmission of electrical Energy. In the contact 6 and the corresponding complementary contact There are 14 connections each. These connections are used for data transmission. The contact 10 or complementary contact 9 sees a shielded Data transmission on each 22 individual connections before. The data transmission occurs via a respective data bus. to Shielding of the contacts used for data transmission 10 and the corresponding complementary contacts 9 serves a shield (not shown) of the respective plug-in modules. Furthermore, the contact 8 and the associated complementary contact 7 a terminal for power transmission In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1 Connector 100 is a physical disconnect performed the different types of contact. Thus, a possible influencing of the data signals via the contact modules 8, 10 and 7, 9 run through the terminals for Energy transfer, which takes place via the contact modules 4, 3, largely reduced.

Furthermore, the connector 1 shown in Fig. 1 provided with a centering device for self-centering. The centering device consists of a centering pin 21 and a symmetrically arranged to the mirror axis centering 20. When connecting between two connectors 100 or 101 engages the centering pin 21 and the centering 20 in the centering bush 20 (not shown) or the centering pin 21 (not shown) of the complementary Centering of the other connector 101th or 100. This is when coupling two connectors 100 or 101 reached a self-centering.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the invention of the connector 100 with a locking device 26, 27 for preventing inadvertent release of the Plug connection equipped after the coupling process. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking device 26, 27 of a hook 26 and a corresponding, mirror-symmetrical arranged eyelet 27. Both hook 26 as well Eyelet 27 are standard components and as a locking device in different Applications tested.

The connector 100 is connected via guide rods 22, 23 with the (not shown) car body connected. Based on the side view the embodiment of the invention shown here Connector 100 are shown in Fig. 2 in greater detail with respect to the guide rods 22, 23 explained.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG Fig. 1 illustrated connector 100. In this form of representation It will be seen that the on the support plate. 2 arranged centering a socket-pin device is. To recognize here in the foreground the outside of the Centering bushing 20, with the corresponding, on the mirror-symmetrical Side of the support plate 2 attached centering pin 21 is almost completely obscured. That's why in this View only the tip of the centering pin 21 to recognize.

The support plate 2 is also provided with a lateral reinforcement 28 provided. At this stiffener 28 of the hook 26 of the locking device appropriate. On the in the side view of Fig. 2 is not visible opposite stiffener 29 is located the corresponding locking device in shape an eyelet 27.

The support plate 1 is on the guide rods 22, 23 to the not shown short coupling of the car body connected. Due to the selected in Fig. 2 side view of the connector 100, the guide rod 23 can not be seen as they is covered by the guide rod 22. Both guide rods 22, 23 extend in the insertion direction 1 and allow a sliding movement of the connector 100 in the direction of insertion. For damping This sliding movement during the coupling process is a regenerative Attenuator 24, 25 (with the attenuator 25 hidden becomes). As can be seen, in the illustrated Embodiment, a spring device used as an attenuator.

The side view of the embodiment of the invention Connector 100 illustrates that the contacts 3, 5, 7, 9 or the complementary contacts 4, 6, 8, 10, which in the carrier plate 2 are taken from the back of the carrier plate 2 are accessible. About industrial connections are on rear open end at the back of the carrier plate 2 the Cables (cables, fiber optic fiber optic cables, etc.) to the individual plug-in modules connected.

This design allows the user to different lines variably connect to the connector 100. A possibly defective line can thus be replaced without much effort become. Furthermore, there is a change of contact types even after installing the connector 100 in the system (e.g., in a close coupler of a rail vehicle) without hassle by simply exchanging individual plug-in modules or contacts to realize.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of two coupled connectors 100 and 101 according to the embodiment of Fig. 1. In This coupled position are the connectors 100 and 101 locked by means of the hook 26 and the eyelet 27.

The coupling process was self-centering by the Centering bushing 20 the centering pin 21 of the respective plug 100 or 101 recorded.

By the symmetrical with respect to the mirror axis 19 construction the respective connector 100 and 101, the modular arrangement for transmission of data signals and electrical Energy used clutch can be implemented.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

plug-in direction

2

support plate

3

plug

4

Rifle

5

plug

6

Rifle

7

plug

8th

Rifle

9

plug

10

Rifle

11 to 18

hole

19

mirror axis

20

centering

21

Centering

22

guide rod

23

guide rod

24

Regenerative Attenuator

25

Regenerative Attenuator

26

hook

27

eyelet

28

stiffening

29

stiffening

100

Connectors

101

Connectors

Claims (12)

Connector (100, 101), in particular for establishing an electrical connection between adjacent bodies of a rail vehicle,
marked by
a carrier plate (2) arranged transversely to the plug-in direction (1) and comprising a number of contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and a corresponding number of complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10), the contacts (3, 5, 7 , 9) on the one hand and the complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) on the other hand are arranged symmetrically to a vertical mirror axis (19). Connector according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the contact (3, 5, 7, 9) as a plug and the complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) are designed as sockets. Connector according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and / or the complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) are arranged on the carrier plate (2). Connector according to claim 1 or 2.
characterized in that
the contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and / or complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) in corresponding holes (11, 13, 15, 17; 12, 14, 16, 18) in the carrier plate (2) are included. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that
the contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and the complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) are accessible from the rear side of the carrier plate (2). Connector according to one of claims 1 to 5,
marked by
a centering device for the self-centering of two in the manufacture of the connector to verkuppelnder connector (100, 101), with two in the coupling process with the complementary centering of the other connector (100; 101) in contact passing centering (20, 21). Connector according to claim 6,
characterized in that
the centering members (20, 21) are formed from a centering pin (21) fastened on the carrier plate (2) and a centering bushing (20) arranged symmetrically to the mirror axis (19). Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and the complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) are designed as terminals for energy, signal and data transmission. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, for use on car bodies, which can be coupled to one another by means of so-called "short couplings",
marked by
in the insertion direction (1) extending guide rods (22, 23) which allow a sliding movement of the connector (100, 101) in the insertion direction. Connector according to claim 9,
marked by
a regenerative attenuator (24, 25) which dampens the sliding movement of the connector (100; 101) during the coupling process. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
marked by
a locking device (26, 27) for preventing inadvertent release of the connector after the coupling operation. Connector according to claim 11,
characterized in that
the locking device (26, 27) has a hook (26) and a corresponding, mirror-symmetrically arranged eyelet (27).

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